Noah Song threw the fastest pitch in the WBSC Premier12 2019. His fastball touched 159 km/ph (or 99 m/ph).
"I never look at the scoreboard, I had no idea I threw that fastest pitch," commented the right-hander. "Someone told me and I am obviously happy. Sometimes you find out that the pitch was faster then you thought, sometimes that it was slower".
Song was the 137th pick of the 2018 Amateur Draft. The Red Sox selected him in the fourth round. A late pick, for a pitcher with Noah's skills. "I don't think I necessarily fell down in the draft. There were still 30 rounds after me and a lot of talent. I don't feel I have been downgraded".
Song graduated from Claremont High School in Claremont, California, in 2015. He attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He played college baseball for the Navy Midshipmen, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2019.
Song is expected to report to Naval Air Station Pensacola as soon as the WBSC Premier12 ends. This could delay his professional baseball career for as many as two years. The Red Sox are trying to find a solution. "I have no say in that," admitted Song. "As of right now, I will report to Flight School in Pensacola. Whatever happens, it will be something to be proud of."
Coming back to baseball after two years serving as a Naval Flight Officer may be challenging.
"I will pay a lot of attention to the possibility of coming back. It mostly will depend from the state of my body."
Noah's father, Bill, immigrated to the USA from Korea as a five-year-old. "My grandparents come over for festivities and take with them all the works," commented Song. "I enjoy listening to my father talk to them in Korean, even if for me the language is a challenge. I love the Korean culture, but unfortunately, I don't know much about the country".
Song had his first taste of international baseball at the WBSC Premier12. "It's awesome. Baseball makes everybody come together. We don't speak the same language, we do play at the same rules. The game really is universal".
Noah Song pitched 1.1 innings against Mexico in the bronze medal game of the WBSC Premier12 2019. He only allowed one hit.
